His eighth year really wasn't so bad. He had Ron, who was less inclined to laugh these days when Hermione wasn't around, and Hermione herself, who was less likely to push her opinion. This Harry did not miss. They were presently walking down the hall on their way to Transfiguration Harry trying to ignore Ron and Hermione's joined Hands, and their small flirty whispers and giggles, they stirred up memories of Ginny, who refused to speak to him. Which he was fine with, he had broken up with her after all. The selfish comfort he had found in her presence during the war had extinguished itself, leaving him confused and Ginny fuming. Lost in his thoughts, Harry didn't notice the fast approaching footsteps behind him in the crowded hall.
"Potter!"
Harry turned as Draco Malfoy walked quickly up to him, a cool and determined look on his face.
"Ferret." Harry replied coldly. Malfoy stopped just before running into him, neither boy turning away from the close quarters for fear of looking a coward. Ron and Hermione turned, and their brows furrowed along with those of many others' in the hall. Neville and a few others who had developed bravery during the war were reaching for their wands should Malfoy attack Harry. Which would be just stupid of him, Harry thought indignantly. Most of the DA was just around here and Malfoy knew it.
"What do you wa-" Harry's words were cut off as Malfoy closed the distance between them, sliding his hands up to Harry's jaw and pressing their mouths together.
A stunned silence filled the hall immediately. Or perhaps that's just how it seemed to Harry. That was it then. No wonder it hadn't lasted with Ginny. Harry Potter was gay as the fourth of July. Malfoy, or Draco Harry supposed he should call him now, started to pull away, Harry could almost taste the heartbreak. He realized with a jolt that in the shock of his personal revelation, he had neglected to respond. He couldn't let Draco go! Sound started to return as Harry slid his hands up Draco's back and returned the kiss passionately. The unresolved knot in his stomach that had twisted itself into being the summer before fifth year finally released its death rip on Harry's stomach. His world was a neat little bow but for that unease and now it to was gone. Finally needing to breathe, Harry pulled away from Draco, who was flushed and looked relieved, as though the world had been lifted from his shoulders after bearing its weight for centuries.
"You have no idea how long I've wanted to do that," Draco breathed.
